On the 2nd of January Volunteer Sharon Sharp noticed one of the smooth fins had some extensive lesions mainly on its right flank. The lesions are very similar to lesions that resident dolphins Wave, Tallula and Zoom have all suffered. The cause of the lesions is unknown but Mike Bossley and other marine mammal experts believe sunburn from being stranded is the most likely cause. The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary has large areas of intertidal mudflats and we believe all 3 incidents have occurred during weeks when there were particularly low tides. The intertidal mudflats combined with the extremely low tides increase the risk for potential strandings.

Smooth fin with skin burn.Photo courtesy of Sharon Sharp

Dolphins have a remarkable ability to heal. After just over a month the wound is nearly completely healed. It appears that the dolphin will only end up with a very small white scar. While it is difficult to know who the smooth fins are we have often wondered if this smooth fin is one of Sparkles previous calf’s, Melody. Interestingly we have seen the smooth fin swimming along with Sparkle and her new calf a few times over the last month.

Sparkle and the smooth fin with the skin burn

Smooth fin now with only a small white scar visible

On the 29th of January we were very excited to see another new calf. While Sharon, Keith and I were watching Sparkle, Ruby and the smooth fin, Dinah appeared with her young calf. It was beautiful to watch the two mums with their two calves as they swam around Barker Inlet. Both Ruby and Dinah’s calf appear to be swimming well.

Dinah and her calf

Sparkle, Ruby and Dinah’s calf

3 dolphins surfing the bow waves of a tug boat

Some of the Dolphins we have seen over the last month include Rob Roy, Ryan, New Moon, Lunar, Namor, Ollie, Josh, Morgan, Zoom, Bella, Crystal, Tallula, Hope, Bianca, Doc, Marianna, Mouse, Hunter, Bubbles, Tiffany, Summer, Lartelare, June, Star, Twinkle, Sparkle, Ruby and Dinah and her new calf.

Below are links to a slideshow of photos taken throughout the Port during January.